Wellington rolls out the blue carpet for visiting Japanese naval vessel

Both ship companies lined the rails as part of the ceremonial port entry.

Welcoming the ship and its crew of 110, New Zealand Defence Force Maritime Component Commander, Commodore Shane Arndell, highlighted the visit as an example of the importance of maintaining strong maritime partnerships in an increasingly contested environment.

“The deteriorating security situation we can all observe makes these visits by partner navies such as the JMSDF, proof of our ongoing friendship and continued focus on interoperability,” he said.

Over the past 12 months, New Zealand has hosted visits by fleet units from the Australian, Canadian, French, Republic of Korea and United States navies. This time last year two other JMSDF vessels, the helicopter carrier JS Ise and destroyer JS Suzunami, also visited Wellington.

But while port visits from friends are welcome and reciprocated, the real value according to Commodore Arndell, comes from the opportunities to conduct training and operations together at sea.

“Both countries have recently been working together in bilateral and multilateral exercises, including last year’s Exercise Talisman Sabre - a warfare exercise in Australia - and multi-national cooperative activities in and around South East Asia,” he said.

“New Zealand and Japan have a strong and long-standing economic trade and defence relationship with a shared commitment, along with other like-minded navies, to a more peaceful, secure and prosperous region. Everything we do is aimed at upholding the international rules based system.”

This is a view shared by the Japanese Ambassador to New Zealand, His Excellency Mr Makoto Osawa, who believes Maritime diplomacy is a crucial element of regional stability and cooperation.  

“We are strategic cooperative partners and both Indo-Pacific nations, therefore regional security is vitally important to us. Port visits like this demonstrate our shared commitment to working together for a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he said.

“Our sailors greatly enjoy visiting this wonderful port city. The hospitality, interest and respect shown by Wellingtonians is always appreciated.”

JS Kumano is one of eight Mogami-class multi-mission stealth frigates commissioned into service by the JMSDF since 2022. 

Following its four-day stay in Wellington, the ship will sail for the United States.